bradley

 

 

Bradley grunted as his muscles strained. Deeper, come on, deeper. He thought his knees were gonna give out any second. Just one more rep and you’re done. With one last grunt, he squatted down, paused, and slowly went back to standing position.

“Take it, Adam.”

“Alright, buddy. Back it up.”

Bradley took a couple of steps back slowly, careful to keep the barbell properly balanced across his shoulders so one side wouldn’t swing down too much on one side, which would bring him down with it. Carefully, with Adam’s help, he placed it back on the rack and breathed out a deep sigh.

“Damn, bro, that was a brutal set. Personal best, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Bradley responded, wiping himself down with a towel. He was making good progress in his strength training. That, and cutting the carbs, was really helping to get him that ripped look. He was glad he made it out to the gym, even though he was exhausted after a poor night’s sleep. The workout was needed, though, because he had to let off some steam after the night with Victoria.

She really knew how to get him going. He remembered the sexy curves of her body, and the silkiness of her skin, and felt himself getting stiff. In due time, he thought. She'll be mine. He held the towel in front of him to hide the evidence of his hardness. He didn’t need his buddy to start wondering.

He had plans for her – hot plans for that body. She really seemed like a firecracker, too, not afraid to speak her mind. That was a huge turn on. He was used to getting what he wanted without a moment’s hesitation on the part of any woman, but she was different. She was a challenge. And a damn sweet one at that.

But he had no idea how she was going to take the news of his night job. He hoped it would get her even hotter for him than she already was, but something told him she was not like the other girls who thought that a stripper was a huge trophy to display in their cock trophy display.

His workout being done for the day, he headed towards the dressing room. As he sauntered through the gym, he could feel every pair of female eyes follow him, practically burning a hole through him.

It was flattering, but there was only one woman who occupied his mind these days: Victoria. His cock burned for her. He didn’t hold a grudge against her for putting a stop to things the night before – he was raised to respect the right of every woman to say no whenever she pleased. But he couldn’t help but be disappointed, of course. No problem, she’ll be writhing in pleasure under me in no time. And she won’t want to get away again.

He took a quick shower, got changed, and met Adam outside. Bradley lived close enough to walk home, and the subway station where he’d part with Adam was on his way, so they walked together.

“How was last night? I heard you had a special date with a lady friend.” Adam winked at him.

“Oh fuck. You’re worse than a woman! Do you do anything other than gossip? Seriously!” He didn’t like to discuss his private life. When it came to his one-night-stands, he didn’t mind dishing the dirt. But he didn’t want to get into that when it came to Victoria for some reason.

“Seriously, how was it? Had a taste yet?”

Bradley turned and looked him in the eye. “No. And I wouldn’t discuss it with you if I did. Keep that talk for the chicks you take home from the bar, alright?”

“Whoa, man! Alright, alright. Guess this one really made an impression on you then, huh?” Adam didn’t give up easily, but Bradley didn’t want to show him all his cards.

“Nah, it was nothing special. Just a dinner and hanging out, that’s all. Nothing special.”

The fact that he repeated ‘nothing special’ gave Adam the impression that the exact opposite was the case, but he didn’t probe any further.

“Alright man, gotcha. Will I see you at work tonight? Or are you taking it off again for another non-special date?” He laughed, and Bradley chuckled.

“Nah, man, I’ll see you at work.”

After saying bye to Adam, Bradley checked his phone and saw there was a missed call and voice mail from his mother. He ducked into a storefront to check the message. His jaw clenched as he listened to his mother’s message.

“Bradley, dear, I know you’re scheduled to come visit us tomorrow, but if it’s not too much trouble, can you come by today instead? Emily’s not feeling too well and she’s been asking about you.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, he called his mother back and got her on the line right away. She must have been waiting for his call anxiously. It broke his heart that she even doubted whether he’d be able to make it, when he’d do anything for her and his sister.

He could tell by the sound of her voice that she was worried.

“Hi mom, I’ll be there in about thirty minutes. Tell Emily I can’t wait to see her, ok?”

He hurried the rest of the way home and went straight down to the garage to get his car.

Traffic wasn’t bad at all, and he made it in twenty minutes. He pulled into the driveway of the house he grew up in and knocked, then opened the door. In the suburbs, they didn’t lock their doors.

“Mom? I’m here!” He took off his shoes and walked through the foyer, popping his head into the living room, which was empty.

“Honey, we’re up in Emily’s room,” came the voice from upstairs.

He bounded up the stairs and made a right towards Emily’s room. He peeked in and there they were. His heart sank. His sister was sitting up in bed, looking pale and frail, and their mom was sitting by her side, feeding her some soup. He tried not to let his emotions show on his face or in his body language, so he put on his strong and friendly big brotherly face for Emily.

“Hey, munchkin,” he said, giving her a big smile.

She turned towards the sound of his voice and her face lit up as soon as she saw that it was him. Her face had an instant smile, but he could tell she wasn’t well, and the difference in her appearance had become increasingly apparent since her diagnosis. Her usually sparkling eyes had a matte, subdued quality about them, and she was unusually pale, which was probably due in no small measure to the fact that she just didn’t have the energy to play outside these days.

He made it to her bedside in a flash, and enveloped her tiny body in his strong and protective arms. He kissed the top of her head with such intensity that she squirmed away and laughed, and then he looked deeply into her little childlike eyes. That little girl was his everything. Sure, there was a large age difference, but this only served to make him even more protective. He couldn’t imagine losing his little sister, and even the thought of it formed a lump in his throat.

He couldn’t show her that he was scared. His job was to be her strong big brother, her protector, her provider. Their father dying was a huge shock to everyone. Their mother was devastated, Bradley was hurt and angry, and Emily was confused and left without a father.

Bradley had sworn that he’d always be a father figure to her and do everything a father would. So, when her pre-school had a Father’s Day show put on by the kids, it was Bradley who was there. When he knew that cash was short at Christmas-time, Bradley was there with two sets of presents – one from him and one from their mom. That was the kind of brother he wanted to be.

He asked her how she spent her day, what happened in her favorite cartoons that day, and read her one of her favorite books. Twice. Then their mom told Emily that she needed to show Bradley something so as to give them an excuse to get some privacy, and they went downstairs, leaving her in her room so she could rest.

Bradley followed his mom to the breakfast table and he chatted with her about her week while she made them tea. He could tell she was anxious and he wanted to distract her for a while before they got to the inevitable topic of conversation: Emily’s condition.

When she finally sat down at the table with him, he could tell she was in no mood for small talk.

“How is she, mom?” He asked her, his eyes full of concern.

She put a hand on his arm. “Not well, honey. She’s had some bad reactions to the chemo. She can hardly eat, and she needs to keep her weight and strength up.”

He sighed. “I’m so sorry, mom. What did her doctors say? Can they give her any medications for the nausea, so she can get her appetite back?”

“Today is what, Saturday? Sorry, it’s getting harder to track the days. I haven’t been sleeping well.” She smiled half-heartedly. “We’re going to see them on Monday. Hopefully they can prescribe something.”

“I hope so. Let me know if you need a second opinion. There are some great doctors I’ve been speaking to at med school, and they may be able to help.”

“Thanks, son. I’m worried about her schooling. I don’t think she can make it in this week. I don’t want her to be stressed or to see her friends playing outside while she can’t, so I’m going to keep her home. I can take a day or two off work, but no more than that. And Stacey has to work as well.”

“Do you think that’s for the best, that she stays home? What if she falls behind?”

“I’m going to drop by the school every day at the end of the day and pick up the lessons and homework. Hopefully we can get through the important stuff in the evening. It’s only going to be for the week, I hope.” His eyes expressed doubt, so she continued, “Bradley, on Friday she came home crying, saying she can’t play with her friends anymore. She’s too tired and sick.” Tears welled in her eyes.

Bradley held her hand.

“Ok, mom, you know best. And you know what, don’t worry about missing work all week. I’ll send a personal support worker here who works with children. She can even help her with her schoolwork.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t, honey, we’ll be fine. I’ll stay home for two days and have the neighbour girl come over to keep an eye on her for the rest of the week.”

“Shhh, mom. I don’t want to hear another word. I’ll call you with her details tomorrow, ok?”

“Bradley, son, you’re too much.” His mom couldn’t hold back and the tears finally flowed freely. Her pretty face looked as if it had aged ten years in the last twelve months. He hated what this illness was doing to everyone.

Bradley hugged her tightly and patted her back as she let it all out.

“I’m just so scared, Bradley.”

“I know, mom. Me too. But just remember, she’s in the best hands at that hospital.”

“Yes, you’re right.” She quieted down, but still held onto him as if for dear life. “I just don’t know what we’d do without you. You’re an angel, Bradley.”

“Oh please, mom, anybody would do the same thing in my shoes.”

“I’m not just talking about this. I mean paying for so much of her treatment and all. Just make sure you don’t neglect your studies, ok?”

“I’m not, mom. But nothing is more important than Emily right now. And she’s going to get through this, I’m sure of that.”

His mom looked up at him with renewed strength in her eyes. “I hope so, son, and I’m sure she will too. I’m sure you have some things to do tonight, so don’t feel like you have to stay here. You have work, right?”

“Yes, mom, but I can stay if you need me. Otherwise I’ll come back tomorrow for our regular visit. It’s best for Emily if things stay consistent.”

“OK, dear.”

“I’m just gonna run upstairs and play with her a bit more before I leave.”

“Sure, hon.”

He squeezed her hand one more time before heading upstairs.

Emily’s room was quiet, so he peeked in slowly. She was asleep, with the most peaceful look on her face that he’d ever seen. He walked to her bed quietly and leaned down, leaving a soft kiss on her forehead.

“See you tomorrow, munchkin,” he whispered in her ear. He looked at her little chubby face and thought he saw a smile.

He took one last look at her from the doorway before making his way out.

 

****

 

On his way home, he drove a little faster than he should have, but he wanted to make it to work on time, especially since he took the previous night off. His thoughts turned to Victoria. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her and what it was that made her tick. Suddenly, he had the urge to see her. He felt that he had to see her right then, that night. At the next red traffic light, he wrote her a text message.

Hey, what are you up to tonight, gorgeous? Come out to see my show. I’ll give you your own private show afterwards.

He checked to make sure his phone wasn’t on silent – he wanted her answer as soon as possible.

The phone beeped just as he was pulling up to his building.

I can’t tonight. Girls’ night out.

He threw the phone down in frustration. Damn, that’s one busy girl, he thought. He pulled over so he could respond.

You’re missing out. Next weekend? Bring a friend.

The response came a few minutes later.

Ok.

You won’t regret it.

I’m sure I won’t.

Talk to you later.

He put his phone away. She was gonna be his this time, he could just feel it. That body, that smile – soon it’ll all be his.